Shloka 2.24.24

कौशल्यारामसंवादः — Kausalya–Rama Dialogue on Exile-Dharma

Devanagari script

दारुणश्चाप्ययं शोको यथैनं न विनाशयेत्।राज्ञो वृद्धस्य सततं हितं चर समाहिता।।2.24.24।।

Transliteration

dāruṇaś cāpy ayaṃ śoko yathainaṃ na vināśayet | rājño vṛddhasya satataṃ hitaṃ cara samāhitā || 2.24.24 ||

Translation

This grief is indeed severe—act in such a way that it does not destroy him. With a steady mind, always do what is good for the aged king.

Context

See that the old king does not succumb to this terrible grief. Serve him with a composed mind.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kauśalyā
• Daśaratha (aged king)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

It teaches dharma as steady service (sevā) in crisis: one must respond to suffering not with collapse, but with composed, beneficial action for those dependent and vulnerable.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma anticipates Daśaratha’s intense grief and urges Kauśalyā to act steadily to protect the king’s health.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Composure (samādhāna/samāhita-citta) and practical compassion—virtues required to uphold dharma amid tragedy.